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v Family Matters vDomestic Violence y Crista Branch, Attorney$29 Initial Visitincludes consultation exam & adjustment. No appointment needed. No insurance needed. *offer valued at $4522100 Bulverde Rd. Ste. 110. SA TX 78259 • 210.972.5985Your Pet Deserves The Very Best• Daycare • Overnight Boarding • Grooming • Cattery • Beach Club • Dock Diving • Pet Bakery • Award Winning TrainingFall Fun Bookings:Mention this ad during your November stay and geta FREE Fall Flavor Stuffed Kong or a FREE Fall Treat!Exp. 11/30/23k9countryclub.net830-980-8476 31305 Oakview Rd., Bulverde, TX 78163BThe Branch Law Firm is raising awareness on what to do if you are a victim of domestic violence anddo not feel safe.1. Ensure your safety: Your immediate safety should be the top priority. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not be afraid to contact the authorities.2. Seek medical attention: If you have been physically injured, it’s important to seek medical care and document your injuries. 3. Create a safety plan: Work with a domestic violence advocate or counselor to create a safety plan that outlines steps to protect yourself and any children involved. This plan may include details on where to go in an emergency, important phone numbers, and ways to document incidents. Preserve all evidence and create a journal.4. Obtain a protective order: In Texas, you can apply for a protective order, also known as a restraining order, to legally require the abuser to stay away from you and your residence. Your local courthouse or domestic violence organization can assist with this process.5. Report the abuse to law enforcement: It’s essential to report the abuse to law enforcement, as this can lead to criminal charges against the abuser. Be prepared to provide details and evidence of the abuse. 6. Seek legal advice: Consult with an attorney who specializes in domestic violence orCommentaryfamily law to understand your legal rights and options. The Branch Law Firm is here for you. Whether it be a protective order, divorce, or custody battle, we will advocate for you as a survivor.7. Notify friends and family: Inform trusted friends and family members about your situation, so they can support you during this difficult time. The deadliest time for a survivor is when they are trying to get out and leave. Utilize your support system.8. Financial and housing assistance: Explore options for financial assistance and housing, as leaving an abusive situation often requires a new living arrangement and financial support. 9. Counseling and therapy: Seek emotional support and counseling to help you heal from the trauma of domestic violence.Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. People care. People will help. The Branch Law Firm will point you in the right direction and help you start over. You do not have to suffer. Visit our website or give us a call.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comRELAX...we got this!Try MaidPro today and sweep up this exclusive offer:$125 $25 OFF YOUR 2ND, 4TH,AND 6TH CLEANINGSReference Stone Oak Highlights and also receive a FREE Fridge or oven Clean! $50 value.Thanksgiving Lost In Quest for Bucksour basic cultural and spiritual foundation. Envision a marketing future in which the Fourth of July is heralded as starting the six months of Christmas. Retailers would love it. All our fall and winter holiday observances could be rolled into one big Christmas-buying promotion. Halloween? That’s when three guys, dressed as kings, chased an evening star on camels, right? Thanksgiving? A great dinner where the Pilgrims told everybody what they wanted for Christmas. And, Santa Claus? Oh, yeah. Isn’t he the guy that was born in Bethlehem?An extreme view? Maybe so. . . However, the holiday focus of 2023 is too much on the dollar and too little on “peace on earth and good will toward men.”BIt seems that the quest for Christmas retail dollars begins earlier each year. Halloween was still six weeks away when retailers began rolling out Christmas trees, decorations and products. Television ads were playing“Jingle Bells”and the image of Santa Claus could be seen hawking everything from toys to high tech games. In addition, several major retailers have already started promoting Christmas credit as a great way to get money back from each purchase.Sadly, the spirit of Christmas is being packaged like a prescription drug--extra strength. Retailers promote the feel- good themes of buying, not financial responsibility or spiritual significance. Spend and ye shall receive. Charge thy gifts and ye shall be saved.Christmas buying, it seems, is being touted as the panacea to all our problems while the Thanksgiving turkey is still waiting to be thawed. Ironically, Christmas has become big business and the sales dollar is king, not Christ.As a result, this incipient trend toward marketing Christmas ever earlier is erodingy Lou DugganNovember 2023www.stoneoakhighlights.com11OFFUse Code: SOHL125Call 210-664-4884 or visit maidpro.com/stone-oakScan Me!